Sensor and transmission control circuit in adaptive interface package

ABSTRACT

A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a threat sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a threat level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the threat level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the senor pack can output a threat signal to security server.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/651,398, by Francis S. Zajac et al., filed on Feb. 8,2005, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an interface for electricalcomponents, and more specifically, an interface for use in a threatsensor that provides power as needed to associated sensors.

BACKGROUND

Public safety is constantly threatened by environmental dangers. Forexample, a plume of smoke from a dirty bomb can quickly consume ametropolitan area to cause mass harm. In another example, ports receivemillions of cargo containers every year, while only a few are inspectedfor terrorist sabotaging. In response, the Department of HomelandSecurity has promulgated initiatives for threat monitoring and readinessthat are designed to prevent threats and to improve emergency response.Conventionally, a threat is manually observed, and a call is made to 911which has to be routed to the correct authorities.

One shortcoming of conventional automated threat detection systems isthat they are typically hardwired for a specific type of environmentalcondition. Thus, once the system is manufactured, it cannot be adaptedfor different environments. Furthermore, current threat detectionsystems typically have complex deployment requirements or shortdeployment periods. For example, some threat detection systems are wiredto a power source. Other threat detection systems must be constantlyserviced to replace batteries.

Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method for a robust threatdetection system that is easily deployable and is low-powered to providea long deployment life.

SUMMARY

The present invention addresses the above needs by providing systems andmethods for interfacing electronic components. In one embodiment, aprogrammable interface module includes a linear power regulator tocontrol and provide power to interfaced components on an as neededbasis.

The interface module can be implemented in, for example, a threat sensorpack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode,the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of powerwhich allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detectingan environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extremetemperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltageregulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator rampsup the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensormodule can then provide a threat level indicative of a concentration orintensity of the environmental condition. If the threat level surpassesa predetermined threshold, the senor pack can output a threat signal tosecurity server.

In one embodiment, a configuration module within the interface modulesallows adaptation to later-added sensor modules, even if notcontemplated during manufacturing. Thus, the sensor pack can beconfigured for a particular use (e.g., a particular sensitivity), andthen configured with instructions and data related to that use.

Advantageously, the interface module can adapt to various types ofinterfaced components. Furthermore, the interface module has low-powerusage for long-term deployments.

The features and advantages described in the specification are not allinclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantageswill be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of thedrawings, specifications, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood byconsidering the following detailed description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for sensing environmentalthreats according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a sensor pack in the system accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a logical system for detecting threatsaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a logical sensor pack of the logical systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for sensing environmental threatsaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for outputting a threat signal inresponse to detecting an environmental threat according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods related to an interface module for sensors (e.g., inlow-power applications) are described. In one embodiment, the interfacemodule is included in a system for detecting threats. Accordingly, theinterface module uses a linear voltage regulator to provide power tosensors as needed for detecting ambient inputs. Power regulation tosensors allows long-term deployments over several years. The ambientinputs can include, for example, a smoke plume from a dirty bomb,radiation from hazardous substances, a sudden temperature rise from afire, and the like. Thus, although the example of a threat detectionsystem is described herein, the invention can be modified forapplications in other systems such as a fire detection system, a theftprevention system, an asset tracking system, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 for detectingenvironmental threats according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The system 100 comprises threat sensors 110 a-f and asatellite server 120. Threat sensors 110 a-f of the present example aredeployed around city streets. In other examples, threat sensors 110 a-fcan be alternatively deployed on a ship or other form of intermodaltransport, a military operations site, and the like.

Threat sensor 110 d is outputting a threat signal to satellite server120. As described in more detail below, threat sensors 110 a-f canoutput threat signals responsive to detecting an environmental conditionthat surpasses a threshold. Satellite server 120 provides communicationsover a wide deployment range.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a threat sensor 110 deployed on a freightcontainer 210 according to one embodiment of the present invention.Threat sensor 110 in the present embodiment is attached to freightcontainer 210 using screws, magnets, glue, or other mechanisms. Threatsensor 110 protects its components for long term deployment with adurable case composed of, for example, plastic or metal. In oneembodiment, threat sensor 110 is compact, having dimension of, forexample, 6 inches wide, 4 inches deep, and 2 inches tall.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system 300 which is a logicalrepresentation of system 100 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. System 300 comprises sensor packs 310 a-f and a securityserver 320. Sensor packs 310 a-f are couple in communication withsecurity server 320 over using, for example, low-frequency RF signals.

Sensor packs 110 a-d receive ambient inputs from its surroundings, andoutput a threat signals to security server 110. Sensor packs 110 a-d caninclude components as illustrated in FIG. 4. Sensor packs 110 a-d detectenvironmental dangers from the ambient inputs. In one embodiment,responsive to an ambient input surpassing a threshold level, acorresponding sensor pack 110 generates the threat signal fortransmission to security server as described in more detail below. Forexample, a smoke plume from a dirty bomb can emit particles that aredetected by cadium zinc telluride (CZT).

Security server 320 receives the threat signal. Security server 320 caninclude, for example, a software application executing on a personalcomputer or server blade. In one embodiment, security server 320identifies the location and type of threat from the threat signal.Security server 320 can provide a user interface (i.e., directly orremotely through a client) which visually identifies the alerting sensorpack over a graphical map. For example, a local fire station that isproximate the alerting sensor pack can be alarmed for a response. Thefire station can equip fire trucks and operators with equipment used todeal with particular threads identified by alerting sensor packs (e.g.,a bomb defusing kit).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of sensor pack 310 of the system according toone embodiment of the present invention. Sensor pack 310 comprisessensor modules 412-415, interface module 420, communication module 430,and power module 440.

Sensor modules receive the environmental (or ambient) conditions, andgenerate level signals. Sensor modules 412-415 include a radiationsensor module 412, a temperature sensor module 413, and future sensormodules 414, 415. Future sensor modules 414, 415 are later-developedsensor modules 412-415 that can be added to sensor pack 310 aftermanufacture. Sensor modules 412-415 can include elements to senseenvironmental conditions with little or no power. For example, radiationsensor module 412 can include CZT and temperature sensor module 213 caninclude mercury. In a first mode, sensor modules 412-415 are capable ofoutputting a relatively small electrical signal in response to detectingan associated environmental condition. Each of sensor modules 412-415are sensitive at least one environmental condition. For example,radiation sensor module 412 can detect output from a dirty bomb,radiation sensor module 412 can detect small amounts of gamma, andtemperature sensor module 413 can detect large changes in temperature.In a second mode, a detecting sensor is receives power. In turn, thedetecting sensor outputs the level signals having an amplitudeindicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmentalcondition.

Interface module 420 receives the level signals, and outputs a thresholdsignal. Interface module 420 includes a configuration module 422, alinear voltage regulator 424, and a processor 426. Interface module 420can be, for example, an integrated semiconductor circuit (e.g., formedfrom silicon oxide or gallium arsenide). Configuration module 422 can bea programmable memory such as EEPROM (e.g., having a capacity of 512 k)or some other type of memory element. Configuration module 422 can storeinstructions and data related to operating sensor modules 412-415. Forexample, configuration module 422 stores threat levels and othercommunication protocols. Configuration 422 can be reconfigured withupdated information or new information about a new type of sensor module(e.g., future sensor module 414, 415) by flashing the memory. Processormodule 426 can be a controller that executes instructions againstconditions received from inputs.

Linear voltage regulator 424 can step down voltage from power module 440for output too sensor modules 414-415. In a first mode, linear voltageregulator 424 provides a relatively small electrical signal, such as 6micro amps while sleeping and 500 milliamps during a 1.3 secondtransmit. In one embodiment, processor 426 compares a received levelsignal to predetermined thresholds. Responsive to detecting a levelsignal above a wake threshold, linear voltage regulator provides powerto the associated sensor module. The sensor modules thus have enoughpower to produce the level signal higher amplitudes as discussed above.Responsive to detecting a level signal above a threat threshold,interface module generates the threshold signal. Additionally, in oneembodiment, linear voltage regulator also provides power tocommunication module.

Communication module 430 receives the threshold signal, and outputs athreat signal. Communication module 430 includes components such astransceivers (e.g., RF transceivers), encoders, antennae, and the like.Communication module 430 can be, for example, a plug-in module, or asemiconductor chip that is integrated onto the same PCB as, for example,interface module 420. In one embodiment, communication module 430 uses ahandshaking protocol to initiate communication with security server 320(e.g., to present authentication credentials). Communication module 430provides the threat signal to indicate that a stimuli level hassurpassed the predetermined threshold. Additional information caninclude location information, a unique identifier, stimuli type, stimulilevel, and the like. In some embodiments, communication module 430includes a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) module to determine alocation of sensor pack. For example, when sensor pack is coupled to amoving platform such as ship cargo or train freight, its location isconstantly changing.

Power module 440 outputs electrical power to various components such asinterface module. Power module 440 can comprise, for example, a DCbattery, a voltage source (e.g., to provide 3.6V), a current source, andthe like. In one embodiment, power module 440 provides the raw powerused by linear voltage regulator 324 to activate sensor modules 412-415.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method 500 for according to one embodimentof the present invention. Method 500 can be implemented using, forexample, the components of system 300 discussed above.

A coverage area is modeled and analyzed 510 by a software application.For example, a grid of city streets can be input to the applicationwhich determines an approximate area or density for which sensor packs(e.g., sensor packs 310 a-f) should be placed for optimal threatcoverage.

The sensor packs are deployed around the coverage area 520. Variousmechanisms can be used to securely attach the sensor packs to stablebases. For example, the sensor packs can be attached to buildings, lightpoles, and other municipal structures.

In response to detecting an environmental threat, a sensor pack outputsa threat signal 530, as discussed below in greater detail in associationwith FIG. 6. For example, in response to a dirty bomb detonation, aradiation sensor module (e.g., radiation sensor module 412) can detectsmall amounts of gamma radiation.

A threat response center associated with the alerting sensor pack isnotified 540. The threat signal is passed to a security server (e.g.,security server 320) through a communication medium such as a satellite.In some embodiments, additional verification can be required beforecontacting the threat response center. For example, a second threatsignal from a separate sensor pack can be used for verification. At thethreat response center, the personnel can be alerted using, for example,a telephone call, a bell, and the like. Additionally, a location of thethreat can be presented with a graphical user interface showing a gridof city streets.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating additional details for outputting530 the threat signal responsive to detecting the environmental threataccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

The sensor packs remain in a first mode during normal, sleep,operations. As such, the sensor packs use a low amount of power and canhave a batter life of multiple years. Once an environmental conditionabove a wake threshold is detected 610, the sensor pack switches to asecond mode. In the second mode, a linear voltage regulator (e.g.,linear voltage regulator 424) ramps up the power provided to an alertingsensor pack. In turn, the alerting sensor pack, is able to output alevel signal indicative of the intensity of the environmental condition.The interface module monitors the threat level, and if a threatthreshold is surpassed 630, a threat signal is output 640.

The order in which the steps of the methods of the present invention areperformed is purely illustrative in nature. The steps can be performedin any order or in parallel, unless otherwise indicated by the presentdisclosure. The methods of the present invention may be performed inhardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof operating on asingle computer or multiple computers of any type. Software embodyingthe present invention may comprise computer instructions in any form(e.g., source code, object code, interpreted code, etc.) stored in anycomputer-readable storage medium (e.g., a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic media,a compact disc, a DVD, etc.). Such software may also be in the form ofan electrical data signal embodied in a carrier wave propagating on aconductive medium or in the form of light pulses that propagate throughan optical fiber.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatchanges and modifications may be made without departing from thisinvention in its broader aspect and, therefore, the appended claims areto encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications, asfall within the true spirit of this invention.

In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the artthat the invention can be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram formin order to avoid obscuring the invention.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment.

Some portions of the detailed description are presented in terms ofalgorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bitswithin a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions andrepresentations are the means used by those skilled in the dataprocessing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their workto others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally,conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desiredresult. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physicalquantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take theform of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It hasproven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, torefer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters,terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the discussion, it isappreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing termssuch as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or“displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of acomputer system, or similar electronic computing device, thatmanipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic)quantities within the computer system's registers and memories intoother data similarly represented as physical quantities within thecomputer system memories or registers or other such information storage,transmission or display devices.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing theoperations herein. This apparatus can be specially constructed for therequired purposes, or it can comprise a general-purpose computerselectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored inthe computer. Such a computer program can be stored in a computerreadable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type ofdisk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, andmagnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random accessmemories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any typeof media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each coupledto a computer system bus.

The algorithms and modules presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purposesystems can be used with programs in accordance with the teachingsherein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specializedapparatuses to perform the method steps. The required structure for avariety of these systems will appear from the description below. Inaddition, the present invention is not described with reference to anyparticular programming language. It will be appreciated that a varietyof programming languages can be used to implement the teachings of theinvention as described herein. Furthermore, as will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the relevant art, the modules, features,attributes, methodologies, and other aspects of the invention can beimplemented as software, hardware, firmware or any combination of thethree. Of course, wherever a component of the present invention isimplemented as software, the component can be implemented as astandalone program, as part of a larger program, as a plurality ofseparate programs, as a statically or dynamically linked library, as akernel loadable module, as a device driver, and/or in every and anyother way known now or in the future to those of skill in the art ofcomputer programming. Additionally, the present invention is in no waylimited to implementation in any specific operating system orenvironment.

It will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art that theabove-described implementations are merely exemplary, and many changescan be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Therefore, it is intended by the appended claims tocover all such changes and modifications that come within the truespirit and scope of this invention.

1. A sensor pack for long term deployment to detect environmentalthreats, comprising: a plurality of sensor modules to detect at leasttwo types of environmental threats, the plurality of sensor modules in afirst mode capable of detecting the presence of environmental threatsusing minimal electrical power, and in a second mode capable ofoutputting a level of the environmental threats; an interface module,coupled to the plurality of sensor modules and including a linearvoltage regulator, the interface module in a first mode capable ofproviding the minimal electric power, and in a second mode capable ofincreasing electric power to one of the plurality sensor modulesresponsive to the sensor module detecting a threat and receiving athreat level; and a communication module, coupled to the interfacemodule, the communication module capable of outputting a threat signalresponsive to the threat level surpassing a threshold associated withthe sensor.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a powermodule, coupled to the linear voltage regulator, to provide theelectrical power to the linear voltage regulator.
 3. The system of claim1, wherein at least one of the sensors is a radiation sensor moduleincluding cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) to detect radiation in the firstmode.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the sensorscomprises a temperature sensing module including mercury to sense acurrent temperature in the first mode.
 5. The system of claim 1, whereinthe communication module comprises: a geographic positioning system(GPS) module to determine a location of the sensor pack, wherein thesensor pack is deployed in a mobile environment.
 6. An integratedcircuit to detect environmental threats, comprising: an interface moduleincluding inputs and outputs for coupling to a plurality of types ofsensor modules and including a linear voltage regulator, the linearvoltage regulator in a first mode capable of outputting minimalelectrical power to the sensor modules, the linear voltage regulator ina second mode capable of ramping up electrical power to one of theplurality sensor modules in order to receive a signal from the sensormodule that is indicative of a threat level, wherein the interfacemodule switches from the first to the second mode responsive toreceiving a wake signal indicative of a threat wherein one output of theinterface module is coupled to a communication module, the interfacecapable of outputting a threat signal to the communication moduleresponsive to the threat level surpassing a threshold associated withthe sensor module.
 7. The integrated circuit of claim 6, wherein theinterface module includes a configuration module capable of beingprogrammed specifically for each of the types of sensor modules, theprogramming including data representative of specific threat levels foreach of the types of sensors.
 8. The integrated circuit of claim 6,wherein the interface module includes a processor capable of determiningwhether to switch from the first mode to the second mode.